Bringing a dog from Canada to Germany: rules 2026

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Taking a dog from Canada to Germany is a smooth EU route. Canada is on the EU's list of approved countries, so no titer test is required. The standard EU entry requirements — microchip, rabies vaccination and an EU AHC — apply.

Destination requirements

1. ISO 11784/11785 microchip — before the rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies vaccination — pet ≥12 weeks old; the vaccination date must not be earlier than the microchip date; then wait ≥21 days after the primary vaccination.
3. Rabies titer test — required ONLY from an “unlisted” country (not needed from the EU or listed countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan). Blood ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days (3 months) before the certificate; ≥0.5 IU/ml; EU-approved laboratory.
4. Certificate — from a non-EU country: an EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex III, Reg. (EU) 2026/705) endorsed by the exporting country’s authority (in the USA, USDA APHIS), valid 10 days to entry. From the EU / on return: the EU pet passport.
5. Tapeworm treatment — not required for mainland Germany.
6. Breed import ban — federal law (HundVerbrEinfG §2) bans the import and transit of: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Bull Terrier and their crosses. Individual federal states may add keeping rules (verify by state).
7. Quarantine — none if everything is met. Puppies under 15 weeks are not admitted; from an unlisted country the process effectively takes ~7 months due to the timelines.

EU 2026: new Regulation (EU) 2026/131 applies from 22 Apr 2026; old-format Animal Health Certificates are valid only if issued before 1 Oct 2026.

Official sources

• BMLEH — Pets entry regulation ↗
• European Commission — Bringing a pet from a non-EU country ↗
• HundVerbrEinfG §2 (breed import ban) ↗
• USDA APHIS — US to Germany ↗

FAQ

Do I need a titer test to bring a dog from Canada to Germany?

No. Canada is EU-listed, so no titer test is required. Microchip, rabies vaccination and a CFIA-endorsed EU AHC are the essentials.

How do I get the EU AHC from Canada?

A Canadian vet issues the EU Animal Health Certificate, which is then endorsed by the CFIA. It is valid for 10 days to entry into the EU.

Are there breed restrictions for dogs in Germany?

Yes. Germany bans the import and transit of Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier under federal law. Individual states may add more breeds.

Is there quarantine in Germany for dogs from Canada?

No quarantine for compliant pets.

Related

We provide information only and do not offer relocation services. Rules change — always confirm with the official source above.